Clinton Township fireworks victim dies

As family and friends mourn the loss of a Clinton Township man who died after an illegal firework exploded in his face, a criminal investigation is proceeding to determine where he purchased the explosive.

Nicholas Burchett, 35, died Tuesday at McLaren Macomb hospital in Mount Clemens, according to a relative and a hospital official.

“He was a very good person, a family man who loved his wife and his two daughters more than anything else,” said Duane Smelser of St. Clair, an uncle of the victim.

Burchett was hosting a holiday celebration for a large gathering of friends and relatives on July 4 at his house on Quinn Road in Clinton Township when the incident occurred.

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According to law enforcement officials, Burchett was bending over to light a firework in a projectile tube when it exploded in his face, causing massive trauma to his head. He was rushed to the hospital and later placed on life support equipment.

Investigators said it appears the 3- and 6-inch mortars that were confiscated at the house are illegal to use without a federal explosives license. They determined the fireworks were purchased from a stand at Stahl’s Prime Meat & Deli in Clinton Township.

A spokesman for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Detroit said ATF agents and Clinton Township police are conducting a joint investigation to determine the licensing of the firework.

It’s an investigation the ATF would “rather not have to conduct,” said ATF spokesman Donald Dawkins.

“We feel terrible for his family who suffered a loss,” Dawkins said Wednesday. “Every year around the Fourth of July we try to put out warnings about safety and every year there are injuries. One of the things we try to stress is you shouldn’t look over these projectile tubes when you’re igniting them.”

Dawkins said the investigation will center on “where the fireworks came from, we’ll look at it from the beginning and see where it takes us.”

It was the first fireworks-related death in southeast Michigan since 2007 when a Melvindale woman died in a similar accident where she looked down into a projectile tube that exploded, according to the ATF.

Burchett, who raised dogs for a living, was trying to throw a nice Fourth of July party for his friends and family when the accident took place, his uncle said. In a letter to The Macomb Daily, Smelser said his nephew was a loyal friend and a “great soul; his calmness and smoothness of character reflected that greatness.”

Burchett is survived by his wife, Tammie; daughters, Nicole and Robin; and other family.

A memorial gathering will be held noon-6 p.m., with a 5 p.m. service, Saturday at Bagnasco & Calcaterra Funeral Home in Sterling Heights.

Relatives have started an online fundraiser for the Burchett family. As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, about two dozen people had donated a total of $1,560.